Santa Rosa Youth Symphony
Ben Taylor proudly presented a history of the Santa Rosa Youth Symphony and it's parent, the 90 year running Santa Rosa Symphony.
Our youthful, aspiring musicians are preparing for a summer three European city tour: Salzburg, Vienna and concluding in Budapest. Their exceptional talent affords them audience with adult artists here and abroad. The symphony has a huge outreach within Sonoma County schools, seeing up to 80,000 students annually, inspiring many to learn an instrument. Warren Talcroft, an 18 year old, 4 year clarinetist in the orchestra is excited about this summer's tour. He credits his experiences traveling and performing with an optimistic view of the future. Playing since 4th grade, he has played in Japan. He also treated us to a flawless, melodious classical solo. He will represent Santa Rosa exceptionally well!
Emphasizing the symphony's equal access policy, Ben thanked Rotary for partnering in their student support. One third of the students receive scholarships. Youth come from all backgrounds and all benefit from the well documented advantages of orchestral musical: Improved executive functioning and decision making. Ben quoted the French Author Victor Hugo in summing up the value of music: "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and which cannot be silenced."
